What is creativity? We live in a world where nothing can be created in a vacuum so technically, everything must have been “inspired” in one way or another. Sneakers are in a lucrative market, where $55 Billion USD was generated in 2015 according to Forbes. With so much money at stake, it is understandable that brands research what works and what doesn’t, using it to apply to their own business models. However, there are times where the lines between copying and producing an original silhouette are blurred. Most recently, we saw a high-profile trademark infringement case between Ralph Lauren and Converse, which ended in an out-of-court settlement.
Even though the Ralph Lauren case came to an end where it agreed to stop producing its versions of Converse’s most popular silhouette, there are still a number of questionable sneaker designs that seem to have taken inspiration a bit too far. Here, we take a look at 10 luxury sneakers and their “ancestors.”
A Bathing Ape BAPESTA / Nike Air Force 1 Low
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When your favourite rappers and hip-hop figureheads started wearing BAPE in the early 2000s, it sparked a huge interest in the brand and everyone was trying to either get their hands on the camo hoodies or the BAPESTAS. Kanye West and Pharrell were just two of the numerous entities that collaborated with the Japanese label in an era where many found their start in streetwear. Although one would assume a global brand such as Nike would immediately take legal action, the sportswear giant still hasn’t filed anything on the matter despite the uncanny resemblance.
Saint Laurent Court Classic SL/10H / Air Jordan 1
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Many would say the Air Jordan 1 in the “Royal” colorway as their “grails” within the sneaker game and it looks like Parisian brand Saint Laurent took note. Releasing in both a black/blue and black/red variation, the luxury sneaker shows a strikingly similar motif to the Jordan Brand offering in both construction and aesthetics.
Common Projects Achilles Low / adidas Originals Stan Smith
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When Common Projects released its Achilles Low, it was at the time streetwear was moving away from its loud prints and motifs, to something more stripped back and monochromatic. The minimalist sneaker boasts premium materials such as Napa leather and suede, as well as being constructed in Italy like all Common Project shoes.
Hender Scheme Manual Industrial Products – 10 / Air Jordan 4
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Perhaps the most direct replication of a silhouette, the Hender Scheme variant of the classic Air Jordan 4 offers pretty much exactly the same shape but is enveloped in a natural, vegetable-tanned leather. At almost five times the price of the Nike offering, Hender Scheme’s version does not include the air cushioning system found on the Air Jordan 4, instead it is replaced with a wooden sole. While many sneakerheads like “beating” their Jordans, the Japanese label also offers the same option but in a more sophisticated way in that the leather will develop a natural patina unique to each wearer over time.
Givenchy Tyson / Nike Air Force 1 High
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The Nike Air Force 1 High is a classic and it has clearly cemented its place in history with the deep ties to hip-hop culture and basketball. High-fashion label Givenchy decided to get in on the action and its product comes complete with the strap but minus the AIR branding on the midsole.
adidas Originals Yeezy Boost Low 350 / Nike Roshe Run
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When Nike dropped the Roshe Run, it took the world by storm became a hit with its minimal and clean design. Both males and females could wear the comfortable sneaker and at an affordable price, the craze for running shoes took off. Then came the Yeezy Boost 350 Low designed by none other than Kanye West, which features a knitted upper and a Boost sole unit that both have similarities to the Nike product. Although many would argue the Yeezy Boost is not a luxury sneaker per se, its $200 USD price tag compared to other running shoes makes a statement in itself.
Balenciaga Arena / Filling Pieces Mountain Cut
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When Filling Pieces was conceptualized, it aimed to bridge the gap between high-end sneakers and the more price-friendly offerings. The Amsterdam-based label has since gone on to be stocked at some of the most premium retailers such as MR PORTER and its resemblance to the Balenciaga Arena offers a pocket-friendly product that also boasts premium materials.
Maison Margiela Replica / adidas Originals Samba
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Lyrics such as “My Martin was a Maison, rocked Margiela’s with no laces” by A$AP Rocky, brought the legendary fashion house of Maison Margiela to an entirely new demographic. However, the sneaker was in fact inspired by German army trainers, which also had their roots found in the Dassler brothers story. In case you aren’t familiar, the Dassler brothers went on to create adidas and PUMA in a bitter feud.
Valentino Rock Runner / New Balance 574
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The classic and iconic New Balance 574 silhouette has become a timeless piece of footwear and it was even involved in a legal matter when Karl Lagerfeld took inspiration a bit too far. The Chanel Head Designer took the same exact silhouette and details but replaced the bold “N” logo with a “K,” and subsequently, the court’s decision ruled in New Balance’s favour. Here we see Valentino’s version that has a similar silhouette but with louder prints and embellishments.
Jil Sander Slip-On / Vans Slip-On
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Vans’ Slip-On model has become a staple piece for both males and females of all ages. The simple and sleek design is maybe the reason why it is consistently replicated but some would also say that plimsolls were around long before. However, the chunky sole unit found within the Jil Sander construction bears similarities to Vans’ Waffle sole.
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